Peña Search

Peña Search Executive Search Consultants

Peña Search Consulting specializes in placement of individuals for leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and small to midsize for-profit companies. We employ a highly individualized approach that looks deeper than the objective requirements of a position and qualifications of a candidate to the subtler, yet no less crucial, question of cultural fit.

Many executive candidates struggle with one critical skill: communicating their impact.Too often, accomplishments are de...
08/25/2026

Many executive candidates struggle with one critical skill: communicating their impact.

Too often, accomplishments are described in broad or subjective terms rather than supported with measurable results.

Boards and hiring committees want to understand outcomes. How much growth was achieved? What changed? What measurable value was created?

Executives who consistently track achievements, document results, and quantify their contributions tell a more compelling and credible leadership story.

Data doesn't replace leadership. It strengthens it.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



First comment: Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/six-questions-with-executive-search-firm-pena-search/

Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Senior Director of Development (Sr. DOD) to bring experience in fundraising practices to a bra...
08/20/2026

Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Senior Director of Development (Sr. DOD) to bring experience in fundraising practices to a brand-new development program.

The Sr. DOD will grow the relatively new Development Program to broaden the zoo’s philanthropic support base, including the long-term planning and full implementation of the current upper-level giving membership program.

Interested in learning more about this role? Connect with Travis Hillier or Carlos Peña and learn more about this opportunity.



https://penasearch.com/job/senior-director-of-development-caldwellzoo/

Fundraising turnover is often viewed as a talent problem. More often, it's an alignment problem.When expectations, compe...
08/18/2026

Fundraising turnover is often viewed as a talent problem. More often, it's an alignment problem.

When expectations, compensation, and organizational support are out of sync, even strong fundraising leaders may struggle to succeed.

Boards and leadership teams that invest in professional development, provide meaningful internal support, and align compensation with both market realities and job expectations create stronger foundations for retention.

In today's competitive market, experienced fundraisers are constantly being recruited. Organizations that want to retain top talent must be intentional about creating environments where leaders can thrive.

Retention starts with support, alignment, and realistic expectations.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/six-questions-with-executive-search-firm-pena-search/

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for executing the organization’s philanthropic growth strategy, stewarding a portf...
08/13/2026

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for executing the organization’s philanthropic growth strategy, stewarding a portfolio of current donors at various stages of engagement, and developing a pipeline of new major donor relationships.

Successful individuals in this role will be collaborative, have a growth mindset, demonstrate integrity in all donor communications and interactions, be able to balance strategic thinking and ex*****on, and steward meaningful and transformative relationships on behalf of UWMD in support of its mission.

Connect with Travis Hillier or Amanda Rachelle and learn more about this opportunity.



https://penasearch.com/job/major-gifts-director-25274/

Many organizations seek experienced fundraising leaders capable of driving significant revenue growth, yet compensation ...
08/11/2026

Many organizations seek experienced fundraising leaders capable of driving significant revenue growth, yet compensation often fails to reflect the scope and expectations of the role.

The market for proven development professionals is highly competitive. Experienced fundraisers are regularly approached with new opportunities and will not lack options if compensation falls below market expectations.

When boards expect private-sector-level results while offering below-market compensation, searches become longer, turnover increases, and organizations may struggle to attract the talent they need.

Compensation is more than a salary discussion. It reflects an organization's commitment to revenue leadership and long-term growth.

If fundraising growth is a strategic priority, compensation should align with that goal.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.



First comment: Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at https://penasearch.com/fundraising-is-not-failing-expectations-are-misconceptions-about-revenue-growth/

At Peña Search, we don’t just deliver résumés.We serve as a trusted advisor to boards and leadership teams during critic...
08/04/2026

At Peña Search, we don’t just deliver résumés.

We serve as a trusted advisor to boards and leadership teams during critical transitions. We guide succession planning, strengthen governance, and help organizations navigate change with confidence.

Our goal is not simply placement, but long-term organizational strength and mission continuity.

Learn more: www.penasearch.com

Executive experience alone doesn't guarantee executive success.When evaluating leadership candidates, organizations shou...
07/30/2026

Executive experience alone doesn't guarantee executive success.

When evaluating leadership candidates, organizations should look beyond resumes and titles to assess mission alignment, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit.

Strong leaders can clearly connect their accomplishments to measurable outcomes while demonstrating humility, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to the organization's mission.

One of the biggest red flags? Candidates who view nonprofit leadership as simply the next career step rather than a calling centered on stewardship, purpose, and trust.

The best executive searches focus on identifying leaders who can advance both the mission and the people they serve.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/six-questions-with-executive-search-firm-pena-search/

Ambitious fundraising goals require more than talented development professionals. They require the infrastructure to sup...
07/28/2026

Ambitious fundraising goals require more than talented development professionals. They require the infrastructure to support sustainable growth.

Outdated databases, inconsistent donor stewardship, limited analytics, and insufficient staffing can quickly stall even the most promising fundraising strategies.

Without reliable systems, donor follow-up becomes inconsistent, major gift pipelines weaken, and critical institutional knowledge can disappear when staff turnover occurs.

Organizations often invest heavily in recruiting development talent while overlooking the systems and resources those leaders need to succeed.

Revenue growth requires capacity. Boards should align their investment in technology, staffing, and donor stewardship with the results they expect to achieve.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.



First comment: Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at https://penasearch.com/fundraising-is-not-failing-expectations-are-misconceptions-about-revenue-growth/

At Peña Search, our commitment to leadership grounded in perspective, purpose, and people endures.We believe leadership ...
07/23/2026

At Peña Search, our commitment to leadership grounded in perspective, purpose, and people endures.

We believe leadership is strongest when it reflects a range of perspectives, lived experiences, and voices. Not as a trend, but as a lasting driver of organizational resilience and effectiveness.

Our candidate pools are values-aligned, community-focused, and prepared to lead with empathy, accountability, and trust.

Learn more: www.penasearch.com

The Director of External Relations will be responsible for stewarding and building immediate and long-term relationships...
07/21/2026

The Director of External Relations will be responsible for stewarding and building immediate and long-term relationships and support for Children’s Health by managing major fundraising initiatives, volunteer boards and memberships, and leading external engagement efforts that position Children’s Health as a cause of choice.

Connect with Travis Hillier to learn more about this organization, position, or the ideal candidate.



https://penasearch.com/job/director-of-external-relations-26284/

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